yuko Imagine a place where the sun is shining, the air is warm, and your toes are buried deep in soft white sand as you gaze at turquoise waters stretching out before you. Guess what? You just described a holiday in Mauritius – a tropical paradise filled with loads of sunny and splashy adventures.
Mauritius is more than just gorgeous beaches and luxurious villas. It’s a snorkeling haven, offering a vibrant underwater escape for everyone, from first-time snorkelers to seasoned divers. It’s a place where you can encounter exotic fish, graceful sea turtles, and maybe even playful dolphins.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore some of the island’s most amazing snorkelling destinations, shall we?
Snorkeling Adventures in Mauritius: Where to Find the Best Reefs
Remember, you’ll be snorkeling in protected lagoons, so the waters are generally calm and safe for all levels, making it a perfect activity for families and couples.
Pereybere Beach
Just a short hop from Grand Baie pier, you’ll find Pereybere Beach, a soft-sand haven with a beautiful reef. But here’s the real highlight: it’s a top spot for sea turtle encounters! Imagine swimming alongside green sea turtles and hawksbill sea turtles, sometimes even right near the beach! Keep an eye out for the Mauritian clownfish, a species found only in Mauritius and Reunion. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss!
Grand Baie’s Coastline
The coastline stretching south of Grand Baie is a snorkeling paradise. You’ll find shallow lagoons and casuarina-fringed beaches that offer a variety of underwater adventures. Here are some of the most recommended spots in this area:
- Mont Choisy: This beautiful beach offers healthy coral reefs and a chance to spot sea turtles. It’s a great spot for a relaxed snorkel with a chance to see some incredible marine life.
- Trou aux Biches: This is a top spot for spotting sea turtles, coral reefs, and common reef fish. The waters here are usually calm, making it a good choice for families with young children.
- Pointe aux Piments: Another fantastic spot for spotting tropical fish and coral.
- Balaclava: This beach offers a variety of snorkeling locations, with calm waters and beautiful coral reefs. It’s known for its relaxed vibe and beautiful scenery.
The Northern Islands
Off the northern tip of Mauritius lie six uninhabited islands, most of them surrounded by pristine coral reefs. This is where you’ll find some of the healthiest seabeds in Mauritius.
- Flat Island and Gabriel Island: These islands are connected by a shallow channel, making it a great spot for snorkeling. Keep an eye out for stingrays, angelfish, butterflyfish, and moray eels. It’s a fantastic spot to see a diverse range of marine life!
- Coin de Mire: This nature reserve, fringed by coral ridges, is the closest island to the mainland and offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities. It’s a great option for those who want more of an adventure.
Tip: When you visit these offshore sites, you’ll want to sign up for a day boat tour departing from Grand Baie. These trips will often take you to three islands via speedboat.
Blue Bay Marine Park
On the southeastern coast, Blue Bay Marine Park is considered the best snorkeling spot in Mauritius. The clear, protected waters are teeming with vibrant coral gardens, including branching, table, and giant brain coral. Hundreds of species of reef fish make this their home, and you might even spot some larger creatures. While some areas can be accessed from shore, the most beautiful spots are best enjoyed with a boat tour.
Mahebourg and the East Coast
Just north of Blue Bay is Mahebourg, a charming seaside village. It boasts a large emerald lagoon that shelters some incredible snorkeling spots. Don’t miss the Anemone Garden, a prime location to spot the iconic Mauritian clownfish, a unique species found only in Mauritius and Reunion.
Other popular snorkeling spots in the Mahebourg lagoon include Trou Moutou and Courant Zaigrettes. These can be accessed with short boat tours organized by local operators.
Le Morne and the West Coast
The south and southwestern shores of Mauritius offer more beautiful underwater sites, especially in the area surrounding the majestic UNESCO-listed Morne Brabant mountain.
- Ile aux Benitiers: This island in Le Morne Lagoon is a popular day trip destination, and you’re likely to find boats taking snorkelers to explore its vibrant reefs and encounter pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins.
- La Prairie Beach and Le Morne Beach: These beaches offer excellent shore snorkeling opportunities. You can easily spot fish and coral without swimming too far from shore.
- Flic en Flac Beach: One of the best shore access spots in Mauritius, offering a chance to see triggerfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, damselfish, surgeonfish, and even the occasional eagle ray.
What to Expect When Snorkeling in Mauritius
Mauritius reefs are home to an amazing diversity of life, including colorful corals, sponges, sea fans, invertebrates, and hundreds of fish species. Keep an eye out for the iconic Mauritian anemonefish, found in specific locations like the Anemone Garden and Pereybere Beach.
The Best Time to Snorkel in Mauritius
Mauritius is a year-round snorkeling destination, but the best time is during the southern summer, from October to April. The weather is sunny and warm, and the wind is less of a factor than during the rest of the year. The water temperature is around 70°F/21°C in winter and 82°F/28°C in summer.
What to Pack for Your Snorkeling Adventure in Mauritius
- Snorkeling Gear: You’ll need a mask, snorkel, and fins. You can either bring your own or rent them at most hotels, resorts, and dive shops.
- Water Shoes: These will protect your feet from sharp coral and rough rocks.
- Sunscreen: Don’t forget the sunscreen! The sun’s rays are intense, and you’ll be spending a lot of time in the water, so you need to protect your skin.
- Waterproof Bag: Keep your phone and other essentials safe and dry.
- Towel: A beach towel will come in handy for drying off.
- Water: Stay hydrated!
